Quarterback Matt Flynn appears headed to Oakland

The Seahawks have apparently reached an agreement to trade Flynn — their backup quarterback — to the Raiders. There has been no announcement or official confirmation, but teammate Doug Baldwin offered his congratulations to Flynn via Twitter:

Wishing Flynn the best on his endeavors in Oakland. Sad to see a friend leave, but excited for his opportunity. Great QB, even better man.

Seattle general manager John Schneider had stated that Seattle expected to keep Flynn through 2013, however, he never denied the team was listening to offers.

The opportunity for Oakland emerged as the Raiders prepare to part ways with Carson Palmer, who is scheduled to make $13 million in 2013. Oakland had asked him to take a paycut, something he reportedly would not agree to.

While it’s pretty clear where Flynn is headed, two questions remain:

1) What did Seattle get? This is most likely a pick in next year’s draft as the Raiders hold only three picks in the first five rounds of this year’s draft. Oakland had previously traded its second-round pick to acquire Palmer in 2011 and given up its fifth-round choice to acquire linebacker Aaron Curry from Seattle.

2) What will Seattle do for a backup? Starter Russell Wilson will be the only quarterback on the team’s roster after the deal. Josh Portis — the team’s No. 3 quarterback in 2011 — was released from the practice squad last year and is currently signed to play for Toronto in the Canadian Football League. One player to keep an eye on: Colt McCoy. He’s currently on the Browns roster as Cleveland attempts to trade him, but is expected to be released and could be someone that fits what Seattle will be looking for in its backup.

Seattle signed Flynn as a free agent last year, bringing him in by offering him a chance to earn the starting job. Tarvaris Jackson was the incumbent at the time, and after Seattle chose Wilson in the third round, he also joined the competition. Wilson was named the starter after the third exhibition game, which Flynn had to miss because of a sore elbow. Flynn did not appear in a game until December, coming on to replace Wilson during a blowout victory over Arizona.

Flynn was scheduled to earn $5.25 million in salary this season, and dealing him will result in a savings of $3.25 million against the salary cap.